Each civilization had their own unique way of timekeeping. In the prehistoric era, mankind measured time merely by observing days changing into nights and noting the change of seasons. Some of the early inventions to keep time include obelisks, hourglass, water clocks, sun-dials, church bells, and clock towers.

Clock towers are city icons visible to all from miles around. They typically include a turret clock and have one or more clock faces. Each tower sports a particular fashion and a mechanism. These enigmatic structures once served the important purpose of keeping people punctual to work and for prayers. Today, while only a handful of people may really look up at a clock tower to tell time, these sculptural marvels are exquisite architectural landmarks that define a city’s skyline.

India is home to many artistic clock towers, each of which carries a memory of the place. These towers are prominent landmarks in cities and are often key drivers for tourism today. Check out these popular clock towers of India.

1.     Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai

Confined in the Fort campus of The University of Mumbai, this Venetian-Gothic clock tower was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott in 1878. It is apparent that this tower was conceptualised on the lines of the famed Big Ben in London. Buff-coloured Kurla stone was used as the primary construction material. Beautiful stained-glass windows adorned the tower’s façade. Carvings on the ceiling and arches depict Indian flora and fauna. The total cost of construction of the tower rounded up to Rs.5,50,000, a hefty amount in those times.

2.     Husainabad Clock Tower, Lucknow

Architect Richard Roskell Bayne seamlessly melded Gothic and Victorian styles to model this marvel. Built in 1881, this 67 metres tower is the tallest clock tower in India. It is located adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza, Bada Imambara and Teele Wali Masjid in Lucknow. The soaring tower shows off its 14-feet gigantic pendulum and a 12-petal clock dial with bells around it. What enhances the beauty of this clock tower is the step-well which is built at its forefront.

3.     Chennai Central Railway Station Clock Tower, Chennai

A panoramic view of this railway station and its clock tower shows how beautifully its Gothic and Romanesque elements embellish the skyline of Chennai. Travancore-style caps sit on each of the turrets. The 135-feet tall clock tower sports a huge clock with 4 faces. The red-brick facade of the station is often referred to as the gateway to South India.

4.     Secunderabad Clock Tower, Hyderabad

Nizam Sikandar Jah issued orders to build these clock towers to honour the progress achieved by the then British officers in the late 19th century. Certain colour blocking can be seen in the elevation of this tower. The archetypal clock face in white colour is supported on the brick structure below. Later, the 120-feet tall tower was used as a logo for a local firm. It was also declared as one among the heritage structures of Hyderabad. 

5.     Ghantaghar, Jodhpur

Ghantaghar is a revered landmark located in the old city marketplace built by Maharaja Sardar Singh from which the market derives its name. The tower is constructed in sandstone that merges with the city’s celebrated Mehrangarh Fort. It merges the Gothic and Rajput styles of architecture. Perfectly arched curves, onion dome, sandstone jali railings and intricately carved stone pillars make it very opulent. The awe-inspiring beauty of this clocktower enriches the busy bazaar.

These tall structures are memoirs from the past that stay uncherished in the present day. Even the very citizens of these cities are unaware of the rich history they behold. Sustainable maintenance by the citizens and civic bodies may ensure that these ghanta ghars stand the test of modern times.